University of Maryland officials announced Randy Edsall as the program's new football coach Sunday evening.

Edsall spent the past 12 years at Connecticut, taking the Huskies from Division I-AA status to this past season's Big East championship and Saturday's Fiesta Bowl appearance against Oklahoma. He replaces Ralph Friedgen, who was dismissed two weeks ago.

ESPN first reported the news Sunday afternoon. It was confirmed on the record by Maryland defensive back Cameron Chism through his Twitter account.

Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach was considered a leading candidate for the job and interviewed with Maryland leadership Thursday, according to multiple reports.

The conversations reportedly went well, though a college football source told Sporting News late last week that those influencing Maryland's hire were split over Leach.

SMU coach June Jones also spoke with a person representing Maryland's search. Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn was mentioned as another possible candidate.

Edsall represents the "safest hire" of the coaches mentioned around the search. He has earned praise for Connecticut's winning and its players' academic success. And he drew universal adulation for shepherding his team through the death of defensive back Jasper Howard during the 2009 season.

Still, his hire raises concerns. He never won better than eight games in his 12 years as head coach. Friedgen, the man he replaces, led the Terps to a 9-4 record in 2010. And the low-profile Edsall's typical team thrives on defense, special teams and rushing the ball, perhaps not the best fit for a school that wants to boost attendance.

The vacancy at Connecticut puts it with Pittsburgh as Big East schools with coaching vacancies. It's rare in January to have two openings at BCS automatic-qualifying conference schools. More changes could come this week if Michigan decides to fire Rich Rodriguez.

"Whichever coach comes in is going to be a lucky guy," Hurd said, "because he's getting a group of players ready to start working and getting after it and getting back to a BCS bowl game."